GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Cable Tv Vs Streaming Statistics: Market Report & Data

Highlights: Cable Tv Vs Streaming Statistics

  • Cord-cutters (those who have replaced traditional cable with streaming services) are expected to reach 55.1 million in 2022 in the US.
  • As of 2021, 45% of households in America subscribe to cable, down from 52% in 2015.
  • In 2021, 74% of US households had a subscription video on demand service.
  • 70% of US adults use streaming services while, as of 2015, only 65% have cable TV.
  • 64% of adults in the US subscribe to Netflix, making it the most subscribed to streaming service.
  • As of 2020, the average monthly cable bill has risen to $217.42.
  • In 2020, 78% of households subscribed to at least one of the three big streaming services: Netflix, Amazon Prime or Hulu.
  • Disney Plus reached 100 million subscribers in 16 months, whereas it took Netflix a decade.
  • 42% of US homes are using streaming devices, a 6% increase from 2016.
  • 50% of adults said they stopped subscribing to a paid TV service because it was too expensive.
  • As of the end of 2019, the average US consumer subscribed to four streaming services.
  • Between 2016 and 2019, the percentage of adults in the US who stream or download videos doubled to 60% from 30%.
  • 72% of US adults used OTT (over-the-top) streaming as of 2021.
  • Only about 23% of US TV households are cable-only, a decrease from 51% in 2010.
  • Nearly 25% of American adults say they are ‘almost constantly’ watching streaming services.
  • In Q3 2020, 67% of US households contained a television that was streaming capable.
  • 34% of US adults say they have an over-the-air (OTA) TV antenna at home.
  • In 2021, 27% of US internet users claimed to have more than three separate streaming subscriptions.
  • The four most popular streaming platforms (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Disney Plus) have a combined market share of approximately 80%.
  • In 2021, 247 million streaming-enabled TV devices were actively in use in the US.

Our Newsletter

The Business Week In Data

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!

Table of Contents

In today’s digital era, entertainment consumption patterns have seen a notable shift. The long-standing rivalry between traditional cable TV and modern streaming platforms continues to captivate audiences worldwide, prompting a need to understand the statistics behind this phenomenon. This blog post delves deep into the comparative statistics of cable TV and streaming services, examining their user base, viewership patterns, content availability, cost-effectiveness, and growth trends. By looking at these numbers, we can gain a more nuanced understanding of how and why viewers are choosing their preferred method of content consumption.

The Latest Cable Tv Vs Streaming Statistics Unveiled

Cord-cutters (those who have replaced traditional cable with streaming services) are expected to reach 55.1 million in 2022 in the US.

As the winds of change sweep across the entertainment landscape, the stunning projection of 55.1 million cord-cutters in the US by 2022 serves as a wake-up call for the classic cable TV industry. This shift from traditional cable to streaming services is a pivotal moment, marking not only a significant advancement in technology but also a transformation in viewer preferences. This figure, steeped in future-forward connotations, underlines the evolving tastes and demands of consumers, making it an indispensable factor to consider when discussing the current face-off between cable TV and streaming services. It’s no longer just conjecture – these statistics herald the era where streaming reigns supreme, demanding close examination in any blog post addressing cable TV versus streaming statistics.

As of 2021, 45% of households in America subscribe to cable, down from 52% in 2015.

In the rapidly changing landscape of media consumption, the noted decline in American cable subscribers from 52% in 2015 to 45% in 2021 paints a stark picture of the growing influence of streaming platforms on traditional cable television. Embedding itself deeply into the narrative of Cable TV Vs Streaming Statistics, this remarkable shift underscores an undeniable trend of consumers switching preference, indicating a seismic movement towards more flexible, personalized, and often less expensive digital streaming services. The statistic serves as a telling barometer for market analysts, advertisers and media-consuming audiences, reflecting a profound reorientation of viewing habits and preferences in the digital age.

In 2021, 74% of US households had a subscription video on demand service.

Examining 2021’s figures reveals a riveting trend; a whopping 74% of US households have embraced subscription video on demand services. This statistic unravels the growing popularity and acceptance of streaming platforms and hints at their increasing dominance in the entertainment industry. In the epic battle of Cable TV versus Streaming, this could well be a game-changer. It provides a crucial lens to interpret the potential shift in viewer preference, hinting at the diminishing allure of traditional cable TV providers and the possible dawn of an era ruled by on-demand streaming services.

70% of US adults use streaming services while, as of 2015, only 65% have cable TV.

As we dive into the dichotomy of cable TV and streaming services, this intriguing statistic paints an insightful picture: 70% of US adults currently engage with streaming platforms, while in 2015, the reach of cable TV was slightly lower at 65%. This shift marks a noteworthy trend in the entertainment landscape, suggesting a growing preference for the flexibility and personalized content offered by streaming services. This digital sea change may influence cable companies to remodel their strategies, possibly sparking a transformation in the traditional broadcast industry, and, on the other hand, it empowers streaming services to leverage their burgeoning popularity with content tailored to viewer preferences.

64% of adults in the US subscribe to Netflix, making it the most subscribed to streaming service.

In the juxtaposition of Cable TV versus streaming platforms, this cogent statistic delivers a revealing verdict. Consistent with the figure that 64% of adults in the US are Netflix subscribers, we can infer a marked shift in the viewing habits of a significant majority. This undeniable pivot towards streaming services such as Netflix challenges traditional Cable TV’s dominance, instigating a digital revolution in our living rooms. The evolving preferences of viewers places Netflix at the center stage, affirming its superiority as the most-subscribed streaming service, a perception that further impacts Cable TV’s popularity and relevance in today’s digital era.

As of 2020, the average monthly cable bill has risen to $217.42.

In the grand theater of Cable TV Vs Streaming debate, the keystone player is none other than the eyebrow-raising figure of $217.42 – the average monthly cable bill as of 2020. This daunting number not only signifies a steep climb in subscription costs but also acts as a subtle catalyst pushing consumers towards potentially economical alternatives like streaming services. Additionally, juxtaposing this figure with the typically lower costs of diverse streaming packages could open delightful lanes of comparative analysis, delivering a vivid and compelling picture of why streaming services are gaining applause from audiences nationwide.

In 2020, 78% of households subscribed to at least one of the three big streaming services: Netflix, Amazon Prime or Hulu.

Evaluating the 2020 statistics, it’s interesting to unearth that a whopping 78% of households are recorded to have at least one subscription to the digital power trio: Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Hulu. This remarkable transition from traditional Cable TV to streaming services encapsulates the metamorphosis of television culture and lends focus to the shifting landscapes of the current entertainment industry. A thoughtful comparison of these statistics underlines not only a technological evolution, but also reveals consumer trends and preferences, assisting us in understanding where the future of entertainment might be projected.

Disney Plus reached 100 million subscribers in 16 months, whereas it took Netflix a decade.

Painting an evocative picture of the dynamic landscape of television entertainment, the statistic reveals a compelling narrative of shifting consumer preferences. Disney Plus’s impressive feat of amassing 100 million subscribers in a mere 16 months, a milestone that took industry-leader Netflix a decade to achieve, underscores the surging popularity of streaming services. This digit punctuates the story of traditional cable TV’s waning popularity in the face of consumer gravitation towards more personalized, varied and flexible content choices offered by online platforms. Emphasizing the rapid evolution and disruptive potential of streaming services, this statistic serves as a stark contrast to the uninspiring trajectory of cable TV, intensifying the post’s analysis on Cable TV Vs Streaming Statistics.

42% of US homes are using streaming devices, a 6% increase from 2016.

Highlighting the 42% of US homes utilizing streaming devices, showcasing a 6% growth since 2016, serves as a bold testament to the shifting landscape of home entertainment consumption. In the pivotal conversation around Cable TV versus streaming, this statistic stands as a powerful indicator of streaming’s encroachment on traditional cable’s territory. This surge in streaming use, underpinned by technological advancements and changing viewer preferences, encapsulates the dynamic trends influencing the future of TV. Ultimately, this number reinforces the increasing significance of the role streaming services play in the contemporary media environment and confronts cable TV with the challenge of evolving to compete effectively.

50% of adults said they stopped subscribing to a paid TV service because it was too expensive.

Painting a vivid tableau of the cable TV versus streaming landscape, the metric that 50% of adults discontinued their paid TV subscriptions due to high costs underscores a pivotal turning point in consumer behavior. As affordability takes the wheel, steering a major shift towards cheaper, flexible streaming platforms, this statistic showcases a glaring vulnerability in the traditional cable TV model. Not merely a fluctuation, this potentially signifies a tectonic upheaval in the industry, putting cable companies on the precipice of annihilation if substantial reductions in costs aren’t made. This shift in consumer preference is intrinsically important to understanding the dynamism shaping the future of the broadcasting industry.

As of the end of 2019, the average US consumer subscribed to four streaming services.

This intriguing figure—the average US consumer subscribing to four streaming services as of 2019’s close—provides a vibrant pulse on the paradigm shift in viewing habits. Illustrating the emergence and explosive traction of streaming platforms, it offers a deep insight into the escalating competition that traditional cable TV faces. Standing as powerful ammunition in the narrative of ‘Cable TV Vs Streaming Statistics’, it underscores the audience’s growing penchant for an à la carte system of media consumption, veering from the age-old bundled cable approach, and signals the radical reshaping of the entertainment industry landscape.

Between 2016 and 2019, the percentage of adults in the US who stream or download videos doubled to 60% from 30%.

Illuminating the rapid growth of the streaming revolution, the statistic noting a doubling from 30% to 60% of American adults streaming or downloading videos between 2016 and 2019 is a compelling testament to the seismic shift in our viewing behaviors. This turbocharged growth in streaming video consumption underscores the accelerated decline of traditional cable TV and gives an invaluable context for understanding the current narrative of the cable TV versus streaming battle. The rate of change captures not just the magnitude of streaming adoption, but also the speed at which consumer preferences are changing, and it is a quantifiable reflection of the momentum paving the streaming industry’s way to becoming mainstream, capturing a lion’s share of the market from traditional cable TV.

72% of US adults used OTT (over-the-top) streaming as of 2021.

In the fierce battle between Cable TV and Streaming Services, the statistic that ‘72% of US adults used OTT streaming as of 2021’ serves as a crucial piece of evidence. It illustrates a significant shift in consumer behavior, with an overwhelming majority shifting their preferences towards over-the-top streaming options from traditional cable TV. This alludes to the potential dominance of streaming platforms, hence solidifying their importance in the entertainment industry. Undoubtedly, this statistic’s implication is profound for content providers, advertisers, and internet service providers, who must adapt to the changing landscape.

Only about 23% of US TV households are cable-only, a decrease from 51% in 2010.

Highlighting a dramatic shift in viewing preferences over the last decade, the statistic revealing that only 23% of US TV households are cable-only—a sharp decline from 51% in 2010—provides crucial insight into the burgeoning popularity of streaming services. This numerical representation underscores the vanishing dominance of traditional cable TV subscriptions, reflecting not just a technology transition, but also a cultural change. In a blog post comparing cable TV and streaming statistics, this statistic enriches the discussion by spotlighting streaming’s growing supremacy and suggesting continued future growth, arguably making it a significant trend to understand and watch.

Nearly 25% of American adults say they are ‘almost constantly’ watching streaming services.

Diving into this crucial piece of intel, a resonating echo of change in the realm of entertainment consumption becomes glaringly clear. Anchored in the reality that nearly a quarter of American adults are switching their loyalties to ‘almost constantly’ watching streaming services, frames an ominous warning bell for the cable TV industry. In a blog-off teeming with riveting facts and confrontational figures on Cable TV versus Streaming, this statistic provides a pulsating heartbeat, unearthing key shifts in viewers’ proclivity, and paints the horizon of a possible impending revolution in media consumption habits.

In Q3 2020, 67% of US households contained a television that was streaming capable.

Highlighting the insightful statistic that 67% of US households had streaming-capable television sets in Q3 2020, it underlines a significant shift in the media landscape, away from traditional cable TV towards online streaming platforms. This evolving trend not only represents a technological evolution, but also illustrates changing consumer preferences and habits. In the cable TV versus streaming debate, this suggests a notable tilt towards streaming services, imparting invaluable wisdom for broadcasters, advertisers, and cable companies for re-strategizing their offerings to stay competitive and relevant in the rapidly advancing digital era.

34% of US adults say they have an over-the-air (OTA) TV antenna at home.

Illuminating the increasingly intricate landscape of television access, the fact that 34% of US adults claim to possess an over-the-air (OTA) TV antenna in their dwelling, adds a fascinating layer in the comparative analysis between Cable TV and Streaming services. Anchored within the realm of traditional yet functional home entertainment, this data underscores a notable demographic that may be resistant to the sweeping tide of digital streaming innovation or simply values the budget-friendly nature and local access provided by broadcast television. Coupled with figures detailing cable TV subscriber numbers and streaming service adopters, this aids in painting a detailed portrait of entertainment consumption patterns, giving blog readers a comprehensive glimpse into the present and potential future of television consumption.

In 2021, 27% of US internet users claimed to have more than three separate streaming subscriptions.

This intriguing statistic – that 27% of US internet users in 2021 reported having in excess of three separate streaming subscriptions – serves as a compelling testament to the seismic shift in entertainment consumption. In a landscape once dominated by cable TV, streaming services have not only swooped in but are gaining unprecedented momentum, a trend vividly depicted in these numbers. As a critical part of our analysis, such a strong consumer tilt towards multi-streaming subscriptions underscores the declining relevance of cable TV, offering undeniable evidence for audiences preferring streaming platforms, and painting a stark contrast in the Cable TV versus Streaming Statistics showdown.

The four most popular streaming platforms (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Disney Plus) have a combined market share of approximately 80%.

Navigating the realm of Cable TV and Streaming Statistics, one can’t overlook the hard-hitting fact that the lion’s share of the streaming platform market, roughly around 80%, is dominated by four big players: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Disney Plus. In drawing the battle lines in the sand, this significant slice of the pie illustrates the massive shift in viewing preferences over recent years, leaving cable television to vie for the remaining share. This dramatic change underscores the thrust of streaming platforms in the entertainment space, shaping the viewing habits of a data-hungry generation who values convenience, variety, and cost-effective alternatives to traditional television.

In 2021, 247 million streaming-enabled TV devices were actively in use in the US.

Bringing the contemporary Cable TV and Streaming warfare into statistical perspective, consider that a staggering 247 million streaming-enabled TV devices sprung to life in the bustling digital landscape of the US in 2021. This paramount figure lays the groundwork for understanding the seismic shift in media consumption behaviors, portraying a vivid image of the proliferation and devotion to streaming services compared to traditional cable TV. As such, this mass embrace of streaming technology casts a profound question mark over the long-term viability of traditional Cable TV, shaping the essence of the debate surrounding Cable TV versus Streaming in the realm of prolific digital entertainment.

Conclusion

As the convenience and options of viewing are rapidly expanding due to modern technology, it is evident that streaming services are becoming increasingly popular with viewers over traditional cable TV. It’s not only the younger generation preferring streaming, but there’s also been a significant shift seen across all age groups. The diminishing cost of streaming services compared to the rising expense of cable packages compounds this trend greatly. However, while cable TV is diminishing, it is not yet extinct, with a considerable portion of viewers still choosing this medium. Therefore, the statistics suggest a noteworthy shift towards streaming but the entire overthrow of cable TV is yet to occur.

References

0. – https://www.www.business-standard.com

1. – https://www.www.hollywoodreporter.com

2. – https://www.www.businessinsider.com

3. – https://www.www.businessofapps.com

4. – https://www.www.statista.com

5. – https://www.www.pewresearch.org

6. – https://www.www.leichtmanresearch.com

7. – https://www.www.cnbc.com

8. – https://www.news.gallup.com

9. – https://www.www.emarketer.com

10. – https://www.www.parksassociates.com

11. – https://www.decisiondata.org

12. – https://www.www.nielsen.com

FAQs

What is the difference in cost between cable TV and streaming services?

Costs can vary significantly. On average, a basic cable TV package can run between $20 to $100 per month or more, while streaming services usually range from around $5 to $65 per month based on the chosen package and added features. However, note that you may need multiple streaming services to access all the content you desire.

How do the content selections of cable TV and streaming services compare?

Cable TV typically offers a wide variety of channels including local stations, news, and sports. Streaming services offer an extensive library of movies, series, and originals along with some live news and sports. The availability of specific content can vary between providers and may require multiple subscriptions.

Is the picture quality on cable TV higher than that of streaming services?

Both cable TV and streaming services offer HD and UHD (4K) options. However, the actual picture quality can depend on factors such as the internet speed for streaming services and signal quality for cable TV.

How does the convenience of cable TV and streaming services compare?

Streaming services generally offer more flexibility as you can watch your content anytime, anywhere as long as you have an internet connection. Cable TV typically requires a set-top box and is limited to the locations where cable lines are set up, but it doesn't require an internet connection.

Can I share my access with other family members or friends in the case of cable TV and streaming services?

Cable TV accounts are usually limited to the household or business where the service is installed. Streaming services often allow for sharing accounts across multiple devices and can include options for simultaneous streams, though this sharing is typically intended for individuals in the same household. Some services provide 'family' or 'sharing' plans at an extra cost.

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

Table of Contents

... Before You Leave, Catch This! 🔥

Your next business insight is just a subscription away. Our newsletter The Week in Data delivers the freshest statistics and trends directly to you. Stay informed, stay ahead—subscribe now.

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!